While ice cream and a petting zoo typically attract kids to a local farm, these offerings at Klein Farms were enough to pique my interest a couple years ago. Since then, Klein Farms, a hidden gem tucked away in rural Northampton, Pennsylvania, has become a staple summer destination for a sweet treat and cute farm animal fix.
While the location of Klein Farms definitely feels like farm country, it’s actually only about 20-30 minutes north of Easton and Bethlehem. The farm itself sits back from the road, and in front you will find the dairy store which is where you can purchase their many flavors of ice cream, as well as local veggies and other dairy products made fresh onsite.
The ice cream is produced under the brand of Happy Holstein, which is partnered with local Daniel Duffin who makes every batch of ice cream with all natural ingredients. With over 20 flavors to choose from at a time, there are some year round staples as well as seasonal options. In summer they also offer Italian Ice, a delicious, nondairy option for vegans! In a long conversation once held between my mother—a product of a Wisconsin dairy farm—and one of the owners, Layne Klein, I learned that even their vanilla has a secret recipe that makes it stand out from the crowd. After tasting it for myself, I had to agree.
But it’s not just the food that is a draw here, animal lovers are in for a treat too. Directly behind the dairy store you can find a mini farm complete with ponies, goats, pigs, turkeys, chickens, geese, and more. If you are willing to give up a quarter or two, you can also feed them at your leisure—just be prepared for some goats to butt heads, they don’t like to share. Directly across you can also find a small playground as well as a large covered patio with outdoor seating…